DSL Internet vs. T-1 Access

DSL - that's short for Digital Subscriber Line - is a dedicated digital service that transfers voice, video or Internet data to your computer via a high-speed digital Internet connection. DSL Internet is always online, and comes in many different packages aimed at meeting the needs of business and home-based users. This type of high speed Internet access outperforms 56k modem lines by a long shot, and has been widely available for some time.

T-1 Internet arguably the flagship product of the T-carrier communications system, used for transporting voice and data digitally and at high speeds. For a fixed monthly rate, T-1 provides businesses with digital broadband speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps, and is increasingly being chosen by large companies. This technology gives 20 or more users the ability to send and receive both voice messages and data, while connecting their Local Area Network to the Internet.

How does DSL and T-1 Internet Work?

DSL access requires the installation of a DSL modem and an Ethernet card. The DSL modem is used to connect your PC to a regular telephone line. DSL is a high speed broadband Internet access service that allows users to send and receive voice data and video, while also accessing the Internet via a high speed connection that uses your ordinary copper cable telephone line. It is fast, reliable, always on and - best of all - the bandwidth is not shared with other subscribers! DSL can be split into tow categories, namely Symmetric DSL (SDSL) and Asymmetric DSL (ADSL). The basic distinction relates to their capacity for conveying data upstream (also referred to as uploading) and downstream (also referred to as downloading).

ADSL vs. SDSL Internet

ADSL gives users a higher downloading speed and a lower uploading speed. This means that if you are going to spend more time downloading than uploading, ADSL would be a good choice. SDSL, on the other hand, features similar upstream and downstream capacity to carry data in both directions.

T-1 Internet Features

T-1 Internet features pulse code modulation and a time-division technique that delivers voice and data at the same time. T-1, as a digital transmission technology, can be split into up to 24 voice channels carrying both voice and data, featuring a bandwidth speed in excess of 1.5Mbs. This entire bandwidth capacity can be utilized as a single broadband data channel.

T-1 Internet is widely used by large organizations, where large networks are used and 20 or more users need to access the Internet at a time. T-1 is a digital, dedicated leased line, and can be used to connect a Voice PBX (Private Branch Exchange) to the telephone company. This Internet technology can also be used to connect the Local Area Networks of a company's geographically remote offices, making it excellent for large multiple-offices businesses and organizations.

Distance Requirements Of DSL

DSL Internet access has one potential drawback; it is distance sensitive. Unless your business is located within a specified distance of the phone company's central offices, you won't be able to have DSL Internet installed. Also, the closer your business is situated to the phone company's central office, the higher your download speed will become. T-1 Internet, on the other hand, has no specific distance requirements, making it the better Internet access solution for remote areas.

Bandwidth And Speed Considerations

Internet Bandwidth and speed are very important factors when it comes to choosing an Internet access plan. In data terms, speed refers to the rate at which data "packets" can be transferred. Bandwidth refers to the ability of a line to carry data, and both of these are measured in bits-per-second. DSL Internet's data capacity ranges from 128 Kbps to a blazing 8Mbs or even higher, depending on which high speed DSL access package you sign up for.

Installing DSL Internet

DSL Internet is easily installed on the twisted pair copper wire of your existing business or home telephone line. In some instances, however, it may be necessary to install a new jack, or sometimes even some new wiring. The wiring can be done for you by a contractor or the phone company; or you could even do it yourself, if you know what you're doing.

T-1 Internet Installation

T-1 Internet is installed on fiber optics, coaxial cable, copper wire and several others. If fiber optics are used, however, you will need to get a backup power supply (UPS) to ensure uninterrupted connectivity should your business experience a power failure.

Fractional T-1 Internet Access

If T-1 is the right Internet solution for your business, yet you don't require the full 1.5Mbps connection, you can opt to lease only a portion of the T-1 line's bandwidth, an Internet access deal referred to as Fractional T-1. If you believe that your bandwidth requirements will increase over time, T-1 is still a good call, as it allows you to gradually grow your bandwidth to 1.5Mbps or even higher. This Internet access technology will enable your business' users to hold video conferences, exchange voice and data, as well as video. With Fractional T-1 Internet, they can also download or upload large files in a very short space of time - privately and securely!

T-1 Internet Applications

T-1 are high-volume lines that carry voice signals and data. It gives users high speed access to the Internet. T-1 lines are also used to connect Local Area Networks and individual networks to the Internet.

Another benefit of T-1 Internet access is that it can be combined with Centrex, a service that can be offered by a local service provider or telephone company. This service is used to route and switch your calls. It can also deliver features such as conference calling, call forwarding, caller identification, etc. These features are great, as it reduced the need for telephone operators or dedicated phone call management staff. Another bonus of using T-1 and Centrex is that you don't need to install switching equipment at your offices - it can all be done remotely.

Requirements For DSL And T-1 Installation

Most DSL technologies require splitters, however some, such as G-Lite DSL and Universal ADSL, does not require a splitter. Two other mandatory items are a DSL modem and an Ethernet card. If you are using a DSL Internet connection, you will also need to look at installing a backup power supply, as DSL does not draw power from your local telephone company's central offices and will otherwise get interrupted during a power failure. In order to use DSL, your computer must also be equipped with a PCI (short for Peripheral Component Interconnect) slot. These may also be required for Ethernet-modem compatibility.

T-1 Internet line installation requires a dedicated circuit from the phone company, as well as a Channel Service Unit (CSU) to connect your computers and the T-1 Internet Line. A CSU serves as protection against power surges, and also as a monitor of the T-1 line. A CSU serves both as a surge protector (to protect your equipment from voltage anomalies such as lightning) and a monitor of the line itself.

Access Cost And Value Considerations

Based upon a flat rate billing structure, DSL Internet offers users excellent value for money. Usage doesn't influence cost, so you can use this service for as long as you like without paying extra.

DSL Installation is easy and inexpensive, so you could be surfing on a broadband Internet connection in no time. In fact, you could even install it yourself! You will, however, need to buy a splitter, a DSL modem as well as an uninterruptible power supply when getting your DSL connection installed. Be sure to know exactly what your business' Internet needs are when shopping around for a DSL Internet access plan. If you need to supply many users with exceptionally high speed DSL access, then it would make sense to sign up for a large bandwidth package. If you are a home-based user who is simply tired of the hassles of Dial-up Internet access, then a more basic residential DSL plan should do the trick.

The speed and ability to facilitate Internet access for large user groups associated with T-1 access may be significantly more pricey than DSL, yet this Internet technology is increasingly chosen by large organizations. It is also highly flexible, so cost-effective solutions are a given. For this type of Internet connection, your biggest expenditure will probably go towards installation costs.